Constant changes in equipment, gluing methods, and training
methods have had a large effect on the evolution of styles
within our sport. The decade of the nineties has seen the
decline of two styles, the passive chopper and the passive
half-distance topspin player. In their place, a stronger more
balanced attacking style has emerged, the All-Round Attacker.
This can be seen in both shakehands and penholder versions, with
the penholder version incorporating the new reverse penholder
backhand loop technique. Recently, the switch to the 40mm ball
has changed both stroke techniques and tactics; and even now,
playing styles are evolving quickly to take full advantage of
the new ball's playing characteristics. Table Tennis is an
ever-evolving sport that requires both coaches and players to
constantly update their knowledge.

The purpose of this article is to examine the eight styles
currently in use at the World Class Level. If you are uncertain
of your style or wish to better identify which style is best for
you, then please read What Style Should
You Play. These styles include:

This series of
articles will provide you with the strengths and weaknesses of
each style, along with some suggested robot drills to help you
develop your game. In reading the descriptions you may find
that your personal style will have attributes from more than
one. However, you should be able to recognize your dominant
style (“A” style) and your secondary style
(“B” style). Each article will also give you some
suggestions on tactics to use against the other styles of
play. Hopefully the style descriptions will serve as a guide
in analyzing your own.

The
Counter, Driver

Description:

Often referred to as
"walls", this style plays close to the table and redirects
their opponent's speed and spin against them. Using forehand
and backhand counter-drive and blocks, this style seeks to
force their opponents into making errors. This style mostly
uses topspin simply as a means to get into a counter-driving
rally. Often this style of player lacks real finishing
power, and rarely uses a fast loop or hard kill
shot.

Strengths:

Good
hand speed and touch on blocks.

Strong backhand block and
counter-drive.

Rarely makes a simple mistake.

Ability to open up angles and force their opponents to
move a lot.

Fast
hand speed and quick reactions.

Ability to control the speed of play by clever counter
and block variations and exact placement.

Against the
Attacker — Pips-Out Penholder: Keep your serves
short, only serving long as a surprise tactic. A fast,
well-angled serve to their backhands will often result in
soft return. The key to defeating this style is successfully
countering their first attack. Try to play as much backhand
counter to backhand block as possible. To win the point,
first backhand counter down the line, then attack the
exposed penholder backhand.

Against the
Attacker — Pips-Out Shakehands: Same general
advice as playing the pips-out attacker. However, you should
direct a high percentage of your backhand counters towards
your opponent's middle.

Against the
Attacker — Inverted Looper: Serve short anywhere
with an occasional fast dead serve to the player's
switchpoint if he uses the shakehands grip. Make your first
attack safe; slow backhand rolls and heavy slow forehand
loops can be very effective. Attempt to extend the points as
long as possible. When you do get a chance to attack hard,
attack down the lines.

Against the
Attacker—All-Round:
Use short serves anywhere or long serves to the backhand. Do
your best to force him/her into a countering exchange. Focus
on placement to win the points, not changing speeds. Avoid
using too much variation; this player is the master at
variation and will beat you at your own game. Extend the
points as long as possible.

Against the
Mid-Distance Aggressive Looper: Use mostly short serves
and attack or counter to the middle. If he/she covers the
middle ball with the forehand side, then counter the next
ball wide to the forehand. If he/she covers the middle ball
with the backhand side, then counter the next ball wide to
the backhand. Keep your opponent jammed in the middle and
they will not be able to use their strong loops. Also
alternate between short and long counters to keep this style
from staying in their preferred mid-distance
range.

Against the
Attacking Chopper: Use short serves to stop the
chopper's attack. Then make a safe topspin opening using
your forehand. Do not rush your attack but mix your topspins
with pushes, counters, and kills. You will need to play long
points and try to frustrate the chopper into making
attacking errors.

Against the
Close to the Table Defender: Use long mixed serves and
lure your opponent into over attacking; often this style
player has a weak first attack. Direct most balls to the
backhand side, using safe counter and topspin strokes. If
this player's angles are preventing your attack, play steady
to the middle of the table to reduce the possible angles.
Finish with a kill shot rather than a fast
loop.